Prior to working with WIEGO, Joann spent 20 years at the United Nations, leading the development of the gender statistics programme. She coordinated the production of three issues of the UN global statistics report on Women, The World’s Women: Trends and Statistics.

Joann holds a Ph.D. in sociology from the University of Michigan, where her research and findings on women and housework earned her the status of a pioneer in women’s studies.

Joann was a lead member of team preparing three issues of the United Nations Publication The World’s Women: Trends and Statistics:The World’s Women Trends and Statistics: 1970-1990; The World”s Women 1995: Trends and Statistics; The World’s Women 2000: Trends and Statistics.